Conservation on private lands : the situation within three Cape Provinces

Abstract:

Traditionally, conservation efforts in South Africa were concentrated on efforts in parks and nature reserves, as well as law-enforcement. Modern challenges from recent political and other changes demand a new vision, with the role of private lands in the national conservation strategy becoming more pertinent. Private lands are becoming more important in roles such as conservation corridors, wildlife refuges, places of breeding, for genetic variation, and also as conservation centres. Central to conservation of private lands, are the landowners. The opinions of farmers, as private landowners, were obtained through a mail questionnaire survey distributed throughout the former Cape province. The questions covered diverse topics linked to conservation on private lands. In the analysis of the data the differences between different biomes, and between respondents who did or did not conserve officially, were determined. Analysis of the data was done as simply as possible to make it understandable to all. The results are presented in easily understandable graphs and tables. Finally, the data was grouped to coincide with the current provinces, so that the practical recommendations to the provinces could be adopted easily. It was found that many of the differences observed between biomes could be explained directly through the intrinsic attributes of the mentioned biomes. The regional differences were also mirrored in the landowners. These variables and characteristics should be taken into account when future efforts are made to improve or establish conservation on private lands in the different areas. It is thus important that each of the provinces develop its own strategies to enhance conservation on private lands. A very low level of conservation on private lands was observed in all the provinces, especially regarding conservancies. Respondents who conserved officially had a higher appreciation for conservation. This suggests that education through communication is the best tool to increase conservation on private lands. The provincial authorities should focus on increased extension to farmers and other landowners.